Compatibility guidance method for an air conditioner outdoor unit cover

ABSTRACT

The all weather outdoor equipment cover for placement outdoor air conditioner condenser unit. The current invention of the cover provides top surface of the cover an incline/protrusion/projection/dome shaped surface/raised surface/bulging/arched surface so rain water does not accumulate even if the top surface of the equipment it&#39;s placed over has a substantial flat top surface. The cover can have varying thicknesses across the top surface to create substantial incline or slop when placed over a substantially flat surface. The cover can be used to cover outdoor ac units, outdoor/patio furniture with substantial flat surfaces to eliminate accumulation of rain water over the top surface of the cover or the equipment.

PRIORITY

The current non-provisional application is continuation-in-Part of non-provisional application Ser. No. 17/571,842 which claims benefit of provisional application No. 63/293,741 filed on Dec. 24, 2021.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The embodiment herein generally relates to the field of method of providing an outdoor equipment or outdoor furniture cover with a slope or dome shaped/with inclined surfaces. Any HVAC-related units such as condensers or evaporators are examples of outdoor equipment. The cover would be placed over an outdoor equipment or outdoor furniture with substantially flat top surfaces. The cover is configured to have varying thicknesses on its top surface or provide synthetic adaptor to be placed under the cover's top surface and above the equipment/furniture's top surface to create an incline to prevent accumulation of rain water or ice on the top surface of the cover. Moreover the cover is configured to prevent accumulation of any debris such as dirt, leaves, twigs etc. and may also shield the outdoor unit from the sun. Accordingly, it is the objective to provide durable, maintenance-free cover for protecting outdoor equipment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a side cross sectional view of an air conditioner unit with the protective air conditioner cover installed.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side cross sectional view of an air conditioner unit with another embodiment of the protective air conditioner cover installed.

FIG. 3 illustrates the vertical surface slit in the vertical wall surface to provide clearance for hoses or wires for the air conditioner unit.

FIG. 4 illustrates a close up view of a vertical surface slit of the air conditioner cover.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of air conditioner outdoor unit cover for another style of Air conditioner cover unit.

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment for window air conditioner to protect outer portion of the unit that is outside of window.

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of air conditioner outdoor unit cover with umbrella cover.

FIG. 8 illustrates sewing configuration of vent of the air conditioner cover.

FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of air conditioner outdoor unit cover with angled Velcro piece for angled exit of hoses and wires.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The all weather air conditioner outdoor unit cover 100 is made from a synthetic fiber with an inclined a top surface to allow quick drainage of rain water and preventing water from collection on the top surface of the cover.

As shown in embodiment 100, the air conditioner unit 101 has a top surface 180 which is substantial flat. The air conditioner cover embodiment 100 can be offered to a customer with a separate incliner piece 115 to be placed on the top of the top surface 180 to create an incline in the top surface 105 when the air conditioner cover 100 is installed over. The air conditioner cover embodiment 100 can be offered to a customer with the incliner piece 115 secured to the inner (lower) surface of the top surface of the air conditioner cover embodiment 100 to create an incline on the top surface 105 of the air conditioner cover embodiment 100.

The top surface of the air conditioner cover embodiment can be a square, a rectangular, a circle, a hexagon, an octagon or any other shape to match the shape of the top surface of the air conditioner unit 101. The top surface 105 further can have vertical wall surface 110 peripherally attached to provide protection to the side walls of the air conditioner unit 101. The air conditioner cover further may have a synthetic rope and a channel sewed at the bottom part of the vertical wall surface 110 to squeeze and secure the bottom part to the bottom part of the air conditioner unit 101. The vertical wall surface 110 further comprises a vent 125 that opens downward to prevent air pressure build up inside the cover on a windy day. The vent can be present on any of the embodiment of this invention.

Embodiment 200 is similar to the embodiment 100 with some exceptions such as the incliner piece 115 is secured the secondary top surface 116 that is secured to the top surface 105 of the air conditioner cover embodiment 200 peripherally 180.

Embodiment 300 illustrates other embodiments of fastening mechanism such as straps that runs over the inclined (not shown) top surface 105 and two strap ends 141 are secured to one another around the bottom surface of the air conditioner unit. The straps also can be partial 140 where they are secured to the vertical wall 110 of the air conditioner cover.

Additionally the vertical wall can feature a vertical surface slit 150 to allow wiring or hoses to pass over. The edges of the vertical surface slit 150 can have Velcro or any other kind of mechanism to secure two edges together.

Additionally the rope ends 131 and 132 inside the lower channel can be secured at the bottom with a locking set up or can be connected to one another with connecting mechanism to disconnect two ends 131 and 132 prior to sliding over the hoses and connect afterwards to secure rope at the lower part of the air conditioner unit 101. One or more features discussed in embodiment 300 also can be mix matched with other embodiments 100 and 200.

A close up view of the vertical surface slit 150; rope for tightening the bottom, edge of the vertical wall 110 is shown in FIG. 4 . The rope present at the bottom edge of the vertical wall 110 can also be replaced by elastic to secure the entire air conditioner cover from slipping out of the air conditioner unit. Only one or more features such as the rope, the elastic or the strap of either kind can be used to secure the air conditioner cover in every embodiment discussed in this application.

Write Approximate Sizes?

In some embodiments, the protective covers have the dimensions of about 25″×25″×30″ to about 30″×30″×32″ . . . In other embodiments, the cover has the dimensions of 2″×½″×″¼″. In still further embodiments, the cover is a combination of these sizes.

FIG. 5 illustrates an outer air conditioner unit of split configuration air conditioner system providing inclined the top surface 105 when the cover is placed over the air conditioner unit with a substantially flat top surface 180 by use of the incliner piece 115. The outer unit of embodiment 500 can have similar incliner piece 115 either sold as a separate piece to the customer with the air conditioner cover 500 or can be glued inside of the top surface 105 of the air conditioner cover 500. The air conditioner cover 500 can have similar features as the other embodiments to secure the air conditioner cover 500 air conditioner unit. Either one of more features such as a use of a rope, an elastic, full strap or partial straps can be used to secure the air conditioner cover 500 to the air conditioner unit.

The air conditioner cover 500 can be entirely made out of synthetic fiber that secured the air conditioner unit from water and or now. The air conditioner cover 500 also can have top surface 105 made out of water resistant or water proof synthetic fabric while part or entire of the vertical wall 110 can be made out of breathable synthetic mess. The top surface 105 prevent water accumulation at the top surface 180 of the air conditioner unit while the breathable vertical walls 110 can provide all year around use even when the air conditioner unit is being used without removal of the air conditioner cover 500. The incliner piece 115 cab be provided to the customer separate, can be glued to the top surface 105 or can be sewed to secondary top surface 116 as taught in the embodiment 200.

FIG. 6 illustrates embodiment 600 of an air conditioner cover 600 for window air conditioner unit. In this embodiment the incliner piece 115 helps in preventing accumulation of water on top surface of the air conditioner unit of embodiment 600. The sidewalls can be made of water proof material or can be breathable as taught in the embodiment 500. The straps of the air conditioner cover 600 are at the bottom as shown in the figure. In this embodiment the air conditioner cover will have waterproof top surface and may have or may not have the bottom wall to provide protection to the bottom surface of the air conditioner unit 600.

The incliner piece 115 can be made from synthetic material such as plastic, nylon, polyester or non synthetic material such as wood, cotton, etc. that serves the purpose of the inclining the top surface of the air conditioner cover. Both the incliner piece and the top surface of the air conditioner cover embodiments discussed rests on the top surface of air conditioner unit they are being placed over.

FIG. 7 illustrates embodiment 700 of air conditioner cover with the incliner piece 115 creating an elevation of the top surface 105. The vent 125 prevents air pressure from building up inside the air conditioner cover 700. Handle 126 allows easier installation and removal of the air conditioner cover 700. The vertical surface slit 151 is shown at the corner of two adjacent vertical wall surfaces 110 with Velcro or any other mechanism to secure the two pieces together as shown in the FIG. 7 . A downward umbrella cover 160 is configured to secure over and cover the vertical surface slit 151 with help of securing mechanism 161 between the vertical wall surfaces and the downward umbrella cover 160. The securing mechanism 161 can be a Velcro, clips, or magnetic surfaces on respective surfaces. The downward umbrella cover 160 redirects rain water away from the vertical surface slit 151. The downward umbrella cover's two edges 161 & 162 are configured to be secured, to both the first vertical edge surface 152 and the second vertical edge surface 153, over the vertical slit 151 or to edges 161 & 162 of downward umbrella are configured to secure with one another. As shown in FIG. 7 , the securing mechanisms 161 on both the downward umbrella cover and the second vertical edge surface are same, and the securing mechanisms 162 on both the downward umbrella cover and the second vertical edge surface are same. The security mechanism 161 latches on 162 thus the entire downward umbrella piece can cover and latch to the first vertical edge surface and the second vertical edge surface. The downward umbrella cover's latching points 161 and 162 also can latch to one another surrounding any of the hoses, wires going into the AC unit and provide protection from rain and snow. The downward umbrella also can partially cover the vertical slit 151 until connection of the hoses or wires through the vertical slit 151 and partially cover any hoses or wires coming out of the vertical slit 151. The downward umbrella may not have any securing mechanism but rather just act as a splash guard to drain water away from the vertical slit 151.

Additionally the air conditioner cover may feature the rope ends 131 and 132 (not shown in FIG. 7 ) inside the lower channel 130 can be secured at the bottom with a locking set up or can be connected to one another with connecting mechanism to disconnect two ends 131 and 132 prior to sliding over the hoses and connect afterwards to secure rope at the lower part of the air conditioner unit 101. The air conditioner cover 700 may feature fastening mechanism such as straps that runs over the inclined (not shown) top surface 105 and two strap ends 141 are secured to one another around the bottom surface of the air conditioner unit. The straps also can be partial 140 where they are secured to the vertical wall 110 of the air conditioner cover. Two ends of straps may further feature a locking mechanism to lock to one another. Every feature discussed in any of the air conditioner cover embodiments may be featured on other embodiments even if not discussed for that specific air conditioner cover embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 8 the vent 125 can be sewed in a configuration where water on exterior surface running downward runs over vent fabric 815 due to top side 810 of the vent fabric is sewed inside the cover's vertical wall 110. This configuration lowers changes of water penetration from top side of the vent 125.

FIG. 9 illustrates embodiment 900 of air conditioner cover identical to embodiment 700 except for corner where edges of two sides 910 and 911 meets and a collapsible incliner piece 990. Each of these two edges 961 and 962 extends outward of corner with Velcro (not shown) on each in such a way that both edges 961 and 962 sticks together from top to bottom while allowing AC houses and wiring to pass in-between the Velcro securing edges 961 and 962. Edge 961 is an extension of 910 side and edge 962 is an extension of side 911. Collapsible or foldable incliner piece 990 is secured to the top surface 105 and or the secondary top surface 116. Collapsible or foldable incliner piece 990 also can be made from metal, plastic or synthetic material with a configuration that can fold or collapse.

In every embodiment discussed here, a cover securing mechanism such as one of the following: a rope, elastic, strap, latching mechanism is essential in maintaining the inclined surface when the cover is placed and secured over the air conditioner unit. With enough support to incline the top surface, a securing mechanism may be eliminated. The incliner piece in every embodiment can be glued to the top surface prior to cover's sale to customer or the top surface may comprises a pocket to secure the incliner piece or the customer can be guided put the incliner piece on top of the air conditioner unit prior to covering the air conditioner unit with the cover comprising the top surface and peripherally downward vertical surfaces. The top surface of each of the embodiments may contain hard synthetic material such as a plastic in combination with a fabric. The top surface of each of the embodiments may contain a fabric acting as an incliner piece to create at least one inclined surface. The top surface may also be made of a hard material only. The incliner piece of every embodiment can be a one piece or a combination of multiple pieces to create incline in the top cover surface when its placed upon a substantially flat top surface of an air conditioner unit. The incliner piece of every embodiments discussed in this application may be substantially rigid or a solid structural component (ex. plastic/synthetic piece) with limited flexibility to provide at least one downward inclining surface towards one or more of the vertical side surfaces of the cover and vertical side surfaces of the air conditioner unit its being placed over.

Additionally the air conditioner outdoor unit comes in various widths, depth and heights. Any HVAC-related unit such as a condenser or evaporator is an example of outdoor unit. A compatibility guidance can be provided on an online marketplace listing with reference height and reference width of compatible cover or the Air conditioning outdoor unit. The cover may have rectangular top surface with only vertical side surfaces connected to two opposite sides of the rectangular top surface. The other two opposite side surfaces may be made same fabric or fabric mesh (breathable) or may be absent.

Every embodiments discussed here can be offered to a customer by displaying a picture or an illustration of a top cover surface (portion of cover or entire cover) of the air conditioner outdoor unit cover inclined on a webpage or a product packaging; providing compatibility information including at least a width and a height references for the air conditioner outdoor unit cover on a webpage or the product packaging; providing the air conditioner outdoor unit cover comprising a top cover surface with peripheral vertical downward side surfaces; wherein the top cover surface is configured to provide at least one inclined surface upon its installation over an air conditioner outdoor unit, wherein the at least one inclined surface inclines at a higher degree than a top surface of the air conditioner outdoor unit its being rested upon, to unable drainage of water from the top cover surface to any of the peripheral side surfaces.

Every embodiment discussed in the current application can have an elastic material secured on vertical peripheral surfaces to secure the cover to the unit. The elastic material can be secure on top portion of the vertical peripheral surfaces above the vertical slit and/or below the vertical slit. Each of the incliner piece in every embodiments discussed in the current application is non-pneumatic piece. Incliner piece can be foldable or configured to take up less volumetric space to save space for packaging and expandable or extendable during its use. The Top surface can be substantially rectangular with each edge being substantially similar in length and height of peripheral surface being the minimum of 1:1 ratio with the top surface to maximum of being 1:2 of the top surface. The top surface also can be substantially round in shape.

Each of the 4 pieces 990 shown in FIG. 9 can be constructed using a steel wire with a clamped ends to make a loop.

The following definitions are included to provide a clear and consistent understanding of the specification and claims. As used herein, the recited terms have the following meanings. All other terms and phrases used in this specification have their ordinary meanings as one of skill in the art would understand.

References in the specification to “an embodiment”, “some embodiments”, etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular aspect, feature, structure, moiety, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that aspect, feature, structure, moiety, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment referred to in other portions of the specification. Further, when a particular aspect, feature, structure, moiety, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect or connect such aspect, feature, structure, moiety, or characteristic with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described.

The term “and/or” means any one of the items, any combination of the items, or all of the items with which this term is associated. The phrase “one or more” is readily understood by one of skill in the art, particularly when read in context of its usage.

As used herein, the term “about” refers to an approximately +/−10% variation from a given value. It is to be understood that such a variation is always included in any given value provided herein, whether or not it is specifically referred to.

From the foregoing, it is readily apparent that I have invented an improved protective cover for an outdoor unit. Further, it is readily apparent that I have invented an improved protective cover for an air conditioning unit which is easily installed upon the top surface of an outdoor air conditioning unit so as to prevent the entry of water and debris into the unit. It is to be understood that the foregoing description and specific embodiments are merely illustrative of the best mode of the invention and the principles thereof, and that modifications and additions may be made to the protective cover by those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. Such changes and modifications within the skill of the art are intended to be covered by the appended claims. 

1. A method of providing an air conditioner outdoor unit cover compatibility guidance, the method comprising: a. providing compatibility information including at least a width and a height references; b. providing the air conditioner outdoor unit cover comprising a top cover surface with peripheral vertical downward side surfaces; wherein the top cover surface is configured to provide at least one inclined surface at a higher degree than a top surface of the air conditioner outdoor unit its being rested upon, to unable drainage of water from the top cover surface.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the top cover surface of the air conditioner outdoor unit cover varies in the thickness.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the top cover surface of the air conditioner outdoor unit cover is configured to incline from a support of an incliner piece placed below the top cover surface and above the top surface of the air conditioner outdoor unit, wherein the incliner piece is secured to the air conditioner outdoor unit cover or is supplied separate.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the top cover surface of the air conditioner outdoor unit cover comprises a secondary top cover surface below the top cover surface, wherein the secondary top cover surface is configured to act as the incliner piece or to secure the incliner piece.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the air conditioner outdoor unit cover comprises a vertical slit in the peripheral vertical downward side surfaces, wherein the vertical slit has a vertical slit securing mechanism, wherein the vertical slit securing mechanism secures two adjacent surfaces to one another.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the air conditioner outdoor unit cover comprises a downward umbrella cover over the vertical slit in the peripheral vertical downward side surfaces, wherein the downward umbrella cover directs water away from the peripheral vertical downward side surfaces and/or the vertical slit.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein an elastic material is secured to one of the peripheral vertical downward side surfaces.
 8. A method of providing an air conditioner outdoor unit cover compatibility guidance, the method comprising: a. providing compatibility information including at least a width and a height references; b. providing the air conditioner outdoor unit cover comprising a top cover surface with at least two vertical downward side surfaces peripheral to the top cover surface; wherein the top cover surface is configured to provide at least one inclined surface at a higher degree than a top surface of the air conditioner unit its being placed upon, to unable drainage of water from the top cover surface to any of the peripheral side surfaces.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the top cover surface of the air conditioner outdoor unit cover varies in the thickness.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the top cover surface of the air conditioner outdoor unit cover is configured to incline with a support of an incliner piece placed below the top cover surface and above the top surface of the air conditioner outdoor unit, wherein the incliner piece is secured to the air conditioner outdoor unit cover or is supplied separate.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein the top cover surface of the air conditioner outdoor unit cover comprises a secondary top cover surface below the top cover surface, wherein the secondary top cover surface is configured to act as the incliner piece or to secure the incliner piece.
 12. The method of claim 8, wherein the air conditioner outdoor unit cover comprises a vertical slit in the peripheral vertical downward side surfaces, wherein the vertical slit has a vertical slit securing mechanism, wherein the vertical slit securing mechanism secures two adjacent surfaces to one another.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the air conditioner outdoor unit cover comprises a downward umbrella cover over the vertical slit in the peripheral vertical downward side surfaces, wherein the downward umbrella cover directs water away from the peripheral vertical downward side surfaces and/or the vertical slit.
 14. A method of offering an air conditioner outdoor unit cover to a customer, the method comprising: a. displaying a picture or an illustration of a top cover surface of the air conditioner outdoor unit cover inclined on a website or a product packaging; b. providing a compatibility information including at least a width and a height references on the website or the product packaging; c. providing the air conditioner outdoor unit cover comprising a top cover surface with vertical downward side surface; wherein the top cover surface is configured to provide at least one inclined surface at a higher degree than a top surface of the air conditioner outdoor unit its being rested upon, to unable drainage of water from the top cover surface.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the top cover surface of the air conditioner outdoor unit cover varies in the thickness.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the top cover surface of the air conditioner outdoor unit cover is configured to incline from a support of an incliner piece placed below the top cover surface and above the top surface of the air conditioner outdoor unit, wherein the incliner piece is secured to the air conditioner outdoor unit cover or is supplied separate.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein the top cover surface of the air conditioner outdoor unit cover comprises a secondary top cover surface below the top cover surface, wherein the secondary top cover surface is configured to act as the incliner piece or to secure the incliner piece.
 18. The method of claim 14, wherein the air conditioner outdoor unit cover comprises a vertical slit in the peripheral vertical downward side surfaces, wherein the vertical slit has a vertical slit securing mechanism, wherein the vertical slit securing mechanism secures two adjacent surfaces to one another.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the air conditioner outdoor unit cover comprises a downward umbrella cover over the vertical slit in the peripheral vertical downward side surfaces, wherein the downward umbrella cover directs water away from the peripheral vertical downward side surfaces and/or the vertical slit.
 20. The method of claim 14, wherein an elastic material is secured to one of the peripheral vertical downward side surfaces. 